Reasonable-sounding essays in the September 1999 "Kappan," advocating expansion of religion's influence in public education are fundamentally flawed by unstated assumptions and selective historical references. The wall of church/state separation is probably the best way to ensure religious freedom and protect both secular and religious…

A drastic restructuring of the governance and administration of education in Quebec is likely to fuel the debate on the role of parents in controlling the school system. However, the concurrent drive toward centralization and standardization will probably allow parent committees to exercise only token power. (Author/WD)